ABSTRACT
Most polymers have very good bulk properties, but many industrial applications require them to have special surface properties as well. Surface treatments are used to change the chemical composition of the surface, increase the surface energy, modify the crystalline morphology and surface topography, and remove contaminants and weak boundary layers. For example, good adhesion requires that the adhering surfaces be free of contaminants and that the substrate adequately wet the adherend. The removal of contaminants from the surface is necessary to ensure good adhesion. Surfaces of adherends of low-surface energy, such as polymers, are treated to introduce certain functionally reactive groups necessary for the adhesive to be bonded. The surfaces may also be treated by the incorporation of a surfactant to change the surface tension of the adherend. The modification also helps to eliminate physical handling problems associated with static electricity and to enhance printing, decorating, wetting, and laminating qualities .
